HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/12/14 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
DECEMBER 14, 2009
6:30 p.m. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – City Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
1a. Roll Call
2. Resolutions, Ordinances,
Motions and Discussion Items
2a. Request for Closed Meeting for Labor Negotiations Strategy.
Recommended Action:
Motion to hold a closed meeting with Consultant Scott Lepak of Barna, Guzy & Steffen,
Ltd. to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or
developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to
179A.01 to 197A.25.
3. Adjournment
6:30 p.m. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – Westwood Room
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Labor negotiation discussions for the following bargaining units:
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 (Maintenance)
• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 993
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 220 (Dispatch)
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 206 (Patrol)
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 218 (Sergeants)
7:00 p.m. Adjourn
7:00 p.m. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – Westwood Room
Discussion Items
1. 7:00 p.m. City Manager Evaluation with Consultant J Forrest
8:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 8:00 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – January 11, 2010
2. 8:05 p.m. Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Project – Public and Stakeholder
Involvement Process
3. 8:50 p.m. Communications (Verbal)
9:00 p.m. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To
make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at 952/924-
2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 2a
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Request for Closed Meeting for Labor Negotiations Strategy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation
strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted
pursuant to Sections 179A.01 to 179A.25.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the City Council wish to take the action as recommended and close the meeting?
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with Minnesota Statues Section 13D.03, the City Council may by a majority vote in a
public meeting decide to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including
negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals,
conducted pursuant to Sections 179A.01 to 179A.25. The time of commencement and place of the
closed meeting shall be announced during the public meeting.
If City Council is in agreement to close the meeting, labor negotiation discussions will take place for
the following bargaining units:
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 (Maintenance);
• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 993;
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 220 (Dispatch);
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 206 (Patrol); and
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 218 (Sergeants).
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Financial impacts on 2010 budget dependent upon outcomes of discussion and negotiations
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Lisa Songle, Office Assistant
Reviewed by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other: CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
TITLE:
Strategy for Labor Negotiations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Consultant Scott Lepak of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. will discuss strategy for labor negotiations,
including negotiation strategies or developments or discussions and review labor negotiation
proposals conducted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Sections 179A.01 to 197A.25.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND:
Consultant Scott Lepak will update City Council in a Closed Executive Session on the strategy for
labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussions and review labor
negotiation proposals conducted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Sections 179A.01 to 197A.25 for
the following bargaining units:
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 (Maintenance);
• International Association of Fire Fighters Local 993;
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 220 (Dispatch);
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 206 (Patrol); and
• Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Local 218 (Sergeants).
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Financial impacts on 2010 budget dependent upon outcomes of discussion and negotiations.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Lisa Songle, Office Assistant
Reviewed by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other: CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
TITLE:
City Manager Evaluation.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
J Forrest, Consultant, will review the information from the annual performance review for Tom
Harmening, City Manager. Council is asked to discuss the information from the evaluation process
and set general direction for work for 2010.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND:
Consultant J Forrest will update the City Council and the City Manager in a Closed Executive
Session on the results of the City Manager’s performance evaluation. A summary of the results of
the evaluation will be sent to the Council under separate cover. The discussion will proceed as
follows:
• The summary of the information from the evaluation will be presented by Mr. Forrest.
Council will be asked to provide comments or suggestions.
• City Manager Tom Harmening will join the Council and participate in the conversation,
reviewing work from 2009 and setting direction for 2010.
• Once completed, final documents will be presented for formal approval at the next regular
Council meeting.
Due to a 2008 change to the Minnesota open meeting law, this meeting will be audio taped. The
change in the open meeting law states:
“All closed meetings, except those as permitted by the attorney-client privilege, must be
electronically recorded at the expense of the public body. Unless otherwise provided by law,
the recordings must be preserved for at least three years after the date of the meeting.”
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Ali Fosse, HR Coordinator
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Future Study Session Agenda Planning – January 11, 2009.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the study session scheduled for Monday,
January 11, 2010. The study session for December 28, 2009 has been cancelled.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agenda as proposed?
BACKGROUND:
At each study session, approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next study session
agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion items
for the study session on January 11, 2010. And, consistent with the Council’s past practice, the
City Manager has cancelled the last study session of the month, which was scheduled for December
28, 2009.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning for January 11, 2010
Prepared by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Study Session, Monday, December 28, 2009 - Cancelled
Tentative Discussion Items
Study Session, Monday, January 11, 2010, 6:30 PM
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Legislative Discussion – Administrative Services (60 minutes)
Senator Ron Latz, Representative Ryan Winker, Representative Steve Simon and
Commissioner Gail Dorfman are scheduled to be in attendance to discuss St. Louis Park’s
legislative priorities and the outlook for the 2010 legislative session, which starts on February
4, 2010.
3. Utility Rate Study – Finance (45 minutes)
Finance staff and representative from Ehlers will be in attendance to present the results of the
study and recommendations for utility rate adjustments for 2010.
4. Proposed Agenda for City Council Workshop – Administrative Services (30 minutes)
Staff and the City Council to discuss topic areas for the City Council workshop being held
on February 19 and 20.
5. Overview of City of St. Louis Park Bargaining Units – Administrative Services (30 minutes)
At a previous meeting Council asked that staff provide an overview of the City’s five
bargaining units.
6. Telecommunications Advisory Commission 2009 Annual Report and 2010 Work Plan –
Administrative Services (5 minutes)
The City Council will be asked to review the Telecommunication Advisory Commission’s
work plan and annual report. If so desired by the City Council, on January 25, 2010, the
Commissioners and staff liaisons will discuss the Annual Report and Work Plan with
Council.
7. Communications – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
for the purposes of information sharing.
Reports
Fire Station Construction Manager Update – Community Development
End of Meeting: 9:30 p.m.
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. The purpose of this report and discussion is to update the Council on
the planning and project development activities related to this project – Project No. 2012-0100. In
particular, the report outlines the public and stakeholder involvement activities as phases one and
two are completed and a preferred interchange concept design is selected. Staff and its consultant,
SEH, Inc., will also provide a discussion on roundabout education. Staff would also like to discuss
the Councils interest in scheduling a date for City Council members to take a bus tour of a few
selected roundabout sites in the Twin Cites area to provide further roundabout education.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Is the City Council comfortable with the approach being proposed by staff?
BACKGROUND:
History
The City’s Capital Improvement Program (C.I.P.) indentifies the T.H. 7/Louisiana Avenue
intersection as a priority improvement project. The proposed project will provide for the
construction of a grade-separated interchange at Louisiana Avenue and T.H. 7. The project would
also include pedestrian and bicycle friendly improvements along with re-configuration of the
frontage roads in order to improve access, safety, and traffic flow for both the T.H. 7 corridor and
Louisiana Avenue. This proposed improvement is essential in meeting the transportation and safety
needs of both Mn/DOT and the City.
In addition to high commuter usage (congestion) in the T.H. 7 corridor, the T.H. 7/Louisana
intersection experiences many other traffic and safety related problems. Louisiana Avenue serves as a
vital north-south corridor through the City, carrying anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles per
day at this location and T.H. 7 carries 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles per day through this intersection.
The close configuration of the frontage roads to T.H. 7 and the heavy traffic generation of properties
in close proximity to the intersection (including Methodist Hospital and Sam’s Club) add to the
intersection’s congestion.
This intersection has also been identified as a higher safety priority concern for Mn/DOT. Despite
recent signal timing modifications by Mn/DOT to the T.H. 7 corridor, the T.H. 7/Louisiana
intersection still experiences significant delays during the peak traffic periods. In addition, traffic
studies for potential future re-development activities, a future LRT Station nearby, and hospital
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 2
expansions have determined that this T.H. 7/Louisiana improvement is a critical element in meeting
the future transportation needs in this area.
T.H. 7 also creates a barrier for bicycles and pedestrians wishing to cross at Louisiana Avenue. A
grade-separated interchange will provide opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross
the T.H. 7 corridor in order to link with employment centers as well as destinations such as the SW
regional trail, Louisiana Oaks Park, and a proposed future light rail station at Louisiana Avenue and
Oxford Street.
Because of the needed traffic and safety improvements listed above, staff submitted an application in
July 2007 for Federal funds through the State’s Surface Transportation Program administered by the
Metropolitan Council. In, February 2008, staff was successful in obtaining $7,630,000 in federal
funds for this project.
Concept Designs
The project management Team (PMT) has evaluated 10 concept designs, 7 grade separated
interchange designs and 3 at-grade intersection designs. Based on feedback from the first public
meeting and all the involved stakeholders, two concept designs (see attachments) have been selected
as finalists for a preferred concept.
Public Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement
The following meetings and communications for the project stakeholders have taken place:
• Project Update Report #1 for City Council – January 12, 2009
• 1st Public informational meeting – January 29, 2009
• Project information meeting with Louisiana Oaks Apartments, Anderson Builders and
Holiday Station Stores – February 2009
• Monthly PMT meetings January to August 2009
• Project Update Report #2 for City Council – August 24, 2009
The Engineering staff, with assistance from its consultant, has begun an education process to inform
staff from various departments within the City organization about the TH 7/Louisiana Avenue
Interchange project and provide education on roundabouts. The following outline details the
activities of the education process and stakeholder involvement as phase one and two are completed.
Outline for Public and Stakeholder Involvement Activities/Roundabout Education
Targeted Audiences
• City of St. Louis Park staff
o City Hall
o Public Works and Parks Maintenance
o Public Safety (Police and Fire)
• Members of the City Council
• Area residents
• Area businesses
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 3
• Commuters/Users
o Motorists
o Pedestrians
o Bicyclists
Topics to be Covered
• Provide a summary of the alternatives analysis process
• An overview of the alternatives considered
• Descriptions of remaining alternatives
• Next steps in project development
• Roundabout education/information
Past and Proposed Outreach Activities
• Project website - Ongoing
o Descriptions and graphics of alternatives
o New newsletter
o Copies of workshop presentation
o Updated project development schedule
o Links to roundabout resources
Mn/DOT
FHWA
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Newsletter – direct mailing to surrounding residents and businesses prior to pubic open house
• Presentation to St. Louis Park Public Works and Parks/Recreation staff – October 27, 2009
• Presentation to St. Louis Park CITE group – November 4, 2009
• Project update and roundabout presentation – City Council Study Session – December 14,
2009
• Presentation to St. Louis Park Public Safety Staff – Mid to Late December, 2009
• Possible Roundabout site tour with City Council – January 2010 (Date and time TBD on
12/14)
o Take bus (with video capability) from City Hall
o Show Mn/DOT and/or Eagan DVD on the way to the first stop
o Roundabout one - Diffley/Rahn intersection in Eagan
o Roundabout two - Highway 61/Jamaica interchange in Cottage Grove
o Roundabout three - Radio Drive/Baily intersection in Woodbury
o Return to St. Louis Park – about a two hour trip
• Roundabout site tours and follow up meetings for City Staff – as requested
• One-on-one meetings (if needed) – December 2009 – January 2010
o Louisiana Oaks
o Anderson Builders
• Project Management Team meeting – January 7, 2010
• Produce project update spot for Community TV – To begin airing after New Years
• Public open house – Week of January 25, 2010
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Project Schedule
An updated schedule is provided in the attachments. We are nearing the completion of Phase 1 and
2 of the project development. Work remaining in phase 2 includes re-engaging the public to gather
input on the final two concepts. Based on comments received from the public and other
stakeholders, the PMT will further evaluate the two alternatives and recommend a preferred concept.
Staff and SEH then expects to report back to the City Council with findings in February 2010.
Next Phase
Selection of a preferred concept will mark the completion of phase 2. Phase 3 will consist of
preliminary design and environmental assessment of the preferred concept. Initiation of phase 3
would occur only upon approval from City Council. At that time, probably February or March
2010, staff will provide Council a picture of the funding requirements and the pros and cons of
starting phase 3.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
As briefly discussed in the Background section of this report, this interchange project has received
$7,630,000 in federal funds through the State Transportation Program Urban Grant solicitation.
The City applied for grant funds through the Metro District Interchange Solicitation Application
seeking $11,000,000. The TH7/Louisiana Project was unsuccessful in receiving any of these grant
funds.
Staff has also made as request for $18,170,000 in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant funds to the Federal Transportation Department. $1.5
billion are available for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure projects that will
have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area, or a region. Results of this grant
application will likely be made available in February 2010.
Staff is also pursuing High Priority Project (HPP) funding for inclusion in the next federal multi-
year transportation authorization bill with support from our US congress member and senate
members.
The estimated total project costs at this time are as follows:
Total Project Cost (construction, ROW, agreements, design, etc.)
Construction $22,000,000
Design $ 3,000,000
Right of Way $ 3,000,000
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $28,000,000
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 5
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The following Strategic Direction and focus area has been identified by Council.
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Focus will be on:
• Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding sources
affecting St. Louis Park including but not limited to Hwy. 100 and SWLRT.
Attachments: Updated Schedule
Preferred Concept Alternatives drawings (2 finalists)
Roundabout Handout
Prepared by: Jim Olson, Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Scott Brink, City Engineer
Mike Rardin, Public Works Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
TH 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange Construction ProjectProposed ScheduleNotice to Proceed Project ManagementMonthly PMT MeetingsScoping & Alt Analysis (Phases 1 & 2) Data Collection Traffi c Study Update, reevaluation, screening Prepare Public Involvement Plan Preliminary Scoping City Council Workshop One (Alternatives) Open House # 1 (Alternatives) Stakeholder Meeting (Screening Workshop) Evaluate and Refi ne Concepts (Phase 2) Preliminary Environmental Screening Select Preferred Concept Open House # 2 (Recommendations)Preliminary Design & EA (Phase 3) Preliminary Design/Review & Approvals Environmental Document/Review & Approvals Open House & Public Hearing (EA) Final Design & Construction (Phase 4) Final Design/Review & Approvals Right of Way Acquisition Open Bids Begin Construction 20082009Tasks 201020112012LegendPhase 1 & 2 Phase 3Phase 4December 8, 2009NDJFMAMJJASOJAJOJAJ JONFMANFMANDM J SDM J SD
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2)Page 6
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Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2)Page 8
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2)Page 9
Meeting of December 14, 2009 (Item No. 2)Page 10
Meeting Date: December 14, 2009
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Communications (Verbal).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Not Applicable.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND:
At every Study Session, verbal communications will take place between staff and Council for the
purpose of information sharing.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared and Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager